\
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
Annual Reports
REF
352
S69
1977
SOMERv'LUE
k PUBLIC
i ubbaRV
1
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
by the
HONORABLE S. LESTER RALPH
Mayor of the City of Somerville
January 18, 1977
Tonight at the close of the seventh and beginning of the eighth year
of this administration, old themes are recurring. I suspect we are in the
process of dealing with perennial questions in a deeper way. Just as in
pholosophy, every answer to a question leads to a rephrasing of the ques-
tion in a more profound way, solutions to political and social problems
also bring those problems forth again for strengthening and further devel-
opment.
In capsule form, let me outline some of the high points in Somer-
ville of accomplishments in the nation’s Bicentennial year 1976:
1. 905 building permits were issued in 1976, again establishing a
new city record over the previous year’s record number of 752.
This number has rapidly increased each year from 425 in 1969,
the last year of the former era. This can only mean a gathering
sense of confidence in the city and a feeling of pride in the
community.
2. Our Reilly -Brickley Central Fire Station has been dedicated,
and the city has replaced five more pieces of fire apparatus to. .
assure the proper protection of life and property.
3. Major street reconstruction was completed: Summer Street,
Pennsylvania Avenue, West Adams and Cherry Streets.
4. The reconstruction of the Conwell School is virtually com-
pleted, and the Healey School reconstruction is progressing
rapidly.
5. The Central Library has been reconstructed, and recognized as
one of the most beautiful and workable library facilities in the
Commonwealth.
6. The dedication of the restored West Branch Library has brought
AUG 0 5 1SB1
2
us two— thirds of the way to the total restoration of our library
facilities.
7. Expansion of services to young people and senior citizens has
brought joy, help and hope to many new thousands of people.
About 10,000 senior citizens are benefiting from service and
health programs operated by city agencies.
8. Loans and grants to homeowners have generated $395,000.00
in home improvements for about 200 homeowners. This pro-
gram will increase substantially in 1977.
9. The Amended Rent Control Ordinance has been tremendously
effective, and for the most part the benefits we hoped for have
materialized, and the fears we shared have generally not mate-
rialized.
10. The Somerville unemployment rate has dropped from a high of
13%, during the depth of the recent depression, down to 8% at
the present time.
This will be considerably helped by the fact that the City of Somer-
ville, the EMHRDA Board, and the U.S. Department of Labor came to
agreement over the last few days on a temporary hiring procedure which
will allow the City to resume hiring CETA employees, until such time as a
final determination is made on outstanding issues.
This agreement will meet the city’s requirement that program hiring
be done on a local level, while providing the Federal Government and
EMHRDA with sufficient input into the entire process so that they might
adequately monitor the program.
Within the next two weeks the CETA Office will begin to process
applications for public service jobs. Our CETA Program will thus be in
full operation no later than February 1st.
1976 was a year when the Federal government implemented a con-
servative economic program which deeply hurt the cities of America, cutt-
ing back on programs and projects which were doing so much to improve
our quality of life. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts embarked on
programs of cutbacks in spending, which almost exclusively meant with-
holding money from cities which had been committed for years, and upon
3
which we had come to rely as essential to help meet the costs of city gov-
ernment. It is paradoxical that the belt -tightening by the Federal and
State governments in fact only tightened OUR belts and increased the
property tax burden which has been the greatest albatross on the people
of Massachusetts for over a generation. In my opinion, these policies
showed poor judgment, and a lack of understanding of where people are
hurting most, and where the real priorities and possibilities for change
exist.
Believing new directions will come from these more powerful levels
of government, we begin the new year with cautions optimism, and we
plan to further solidify progress made, while embarking on new chal-
lenges. Some of those new challenges —
(1) Several more streets will be reconstructed with community de-
velopment money. The reconstruction and new design of
Broadway should be completed from the Charlestown line to
approximately Magoun Square.
(2) With Federal and local money, Conway Playground will be
rebuilt, thus completing the restoration of all the city’s major
playground facilities.
(3) A new 135 senior citizens’ apartment complex should be com-
pleted in just over a year.
(4) I am pleased to announce that effective next Monday morning
our incinerator will be in full operation with the installation of
new compactors, at no cost to the city. We shall resume de-
livery of all our rubbish to the incinerator at an expected
savings of $5.00 per ton, or over $200,000.00 over the next
twelve months. We still believe Somerville has pioneered in the
area of rubbish disposal through the pyrolysis burning process,
and that our program will be a model for the nation within two
years in terms of energy conservation and pollution control.
(5) We intend to demolish most or all of the buildings in the city
which have been abandoned or which are fire or safety hazards
to others in the community.
(6) Loans and grants of Federal monies for home improvement
will increase this year to upgrade our housing stock.
(7) We hope to complete our library restoration program by com-
pleting work on the East Branch Library. With the proper com-
4
bination of circumstances, we shall add a small wing for offices
and a children’s room, thus making the entire present facility
an adult reading area.
This year I consider it essential that we grapple with some knotty
and difficult problems , and I believe we can :
1. We must begin the steps to construct an adequate technical
high school. The present facility is inadequate, and in my opinion, our
secondary pub He school system is effectively preparing for adult life no
more than 10% of our young people.
2 . Last year I alluded to the problems inherent in our junior high
school system and urged a transition to an S-A system as educationally
more sound in every way. A committee is now being formed to look into
the matter, and I urge the public to be vigilant in insisting that the com-
mittee not be led in the direction of interest groups — be they school
administrators, teachers or politicians. We are dealing with the present
and future happiness of thousands of young people, and that alone should
motivate our efforts.
I believe the failure of the junior high educational system and the
resulting disenchantment with school during those years is the greatest
single factor responsible for the large number of high school dropouts in
Somerville. I ask for a bit of imagination, a bit of political courage and
broad based community involvement in facing the problem head on. We
are in a position now to improve the quality of our educational system
immeasurably. Our junior high schools and the inverted emphasis in the
high school between technical training and the three “R’s” is the true
Achilles heel in the Somerville School System. We have 2,800 students in
the high school and 300 in the Technical High. The young people have
been telling city officials for fifty years that the opposite ratio should be
implemented.
The next two issues I have discussed in virtually every official ad-
dress in the past seven years, namely the issue of school administration and
the issue of Assessors. I do so again this evening.
5
I believe the time has come for the School Department to be more
responsive to the public, and, therefore, it is clearly time to end the
obsolete “Sacred Cow” philosophy of School Department autonomy.
Since 1970 School Department costs have increased 103%, while the rest
of the city budget has increased only 32%. The School Department has
just come out with next year’s proposed budget, pretending a $175,000.00
cut. This pretended decrease is based on eliminating the Full Circle
School, one of the most important programs in the city.
Close analysis reveals that they have covered up a $400,000.00
increase in the budget, and when contract negotiations have been com-
pleted, it is apparent that the School Department alone will add over
$10.00 to next year’s tax rate, just as they have done each year over the
past decade.
The most consistent talent which school administrators tend to dis-
play is the ability to increase their needs, expand their bureaucracy and
remain out of touch with the deeper educational needs of the pub he. I
have seen the system at work long enough to realize that the top priority
is always protecting self-interest. The ‘Teter Principle” of promoting
people beyond their usefulness has achieved its high water mark in the
school systems of America, and I speak in protest.
Secondly, the problem which is coming closest to toppling the
ability of this city to govern itself is the problem of Assessors. I can speak
no more clearly, and I do not believe it can be more clearly stated, than
at the Inaugural last January. I can only add a year’s experience of Asses-
sors arbitrarily and capriciously raising or lowering assessments, adding
many dollars to last year’s tax by refusing $700,000.00 in offered tax
payments by the bankrupt Boston and Maine Railroad. Our Assessors are
feared because people here realize that they use their power to hurt others
and help themselves. The Assessors have already added about $10.00 to
next year’s tax rate, either by selective abatements or by abatements
forced by the State because of chaotic practices which the Board has
carried out for so many years.
Years ago someone said to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes: “The
power to tax is the power to destroy.” The Judge answered: “Not while
6
this court sits.” I tell you tonight, unless the Board of Aldermen deals
with the problem of our elected Assessors NOW, this city is in for deep,
deep trouble. The seriousness of this particular problem and the import-
ance of coping with it now brings to mind the words of Pastor Niemoeller
after the Second World War: “In Germany, the Nazie first came for the
Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Communist. Then
they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn’t speak up because
I wasn’t a Trade Unionist. Then they came for ME . . by that time
there was no one left to speak up for anyone.”
If anyone here thinks he can hide from the irresponsible, bullying
attitude of a majority of our Assessors for long, you will end up in a
lonely, costly position.
In 1976 we proposed a massive reconstruction of our streets and
sidewalks. They need it. the project would add thousands of dollars in
value to every building abutting such an imporovement; and it would, as
it has in other areas, lead to further investment in upgrading buildings.
Monies were appropriated to engineer the project; Federal help was not
forthcoming. I urge the members of this Honorable Board to approve a
bond issue to get this work underway by springtime.
There is a strange attitude by certain members of the political com-
munity in Somerville. “Don’t let any good come if it reflects on anybody
but yourself.” To aspiring mayoral candidates here tonight, there is ample
credit for everyone courageous enough to be constructive. If anyone
thinks he or she will delay this essential improvement to enhance their
own candidacy, I assure you the trust will be presented at the door of
every home in Somerville many times between now and November.
I naturally welcome all candidates who wish to make their bid for
the Mayor’s office, but I ask that your efforts be responsible, constructive
and in the public interest. Perhaps we might all do well to enter this elec-
tion year with this as our standard of campaigning: “Success is never
final and failure never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”
In many ways last year was much like my first year as Major. Many
good things happened, but it was a struggle and a battle almost every
step of the way, and often not for the best reasons. I believe this year
will be a year of greater achievement, because a good foundation was
laid.
7
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
April 4, 1977
To the Honorable , the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
The following report is respectfully submitted as the Annual Report
of the Board of Assessors for the year ending June 30, 1977.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE - 1976 - 1977 RECAPITULATION
A. CITY - All appropriations since 1975— 1976 tax rate fixed:
1. Total to be raised by taxation 33,719,051.52
2. Total appropriations to be taken
from available Funds —
a. 74-75 1 ,991 ,328.00
76-77 1 ,972,23532 3,963,563.32
TOTAL 37,682,614.84 37,682,614.84
3. Deficits due to abatements in excess
of overlay of prior years —
a. 1961 -prior 766.67
b. 1965 8,98739
c. 1966 73,344.15
d. 1967 203,044.65
e. 1968 213,165.93
f. 1969 215,69331
g. 1970 362,739.77
h. 1971 360,937.76
i. 1972 475,952.77
j. 1973-74 290,250.66
k. 1975 34,236.90
TOTAL 2,239,1 19.86
8
Offsets to Cherry Sheet
Estimated Receipts:
School Lunch Program 73,36029
Libraries 1,780.47
Youth Service Board —
Retirement 900.00 76,040.76
B. COUNTY: TAX AND ASSESSMENTS
1976-77 1974-75
Estimates Under estimates
1. County Tax 806,390.41 953,89737
2. County Hospital 9,676.69 77,205.23
816,067.10 1,031,102.80
C. STATE TAX AND ASSESSMENTS
State examination of Retirement System $ 2,000.00
Mass. Bay Transportation System 2,720,474.00
Health Insurance Program 14,601.53
Motor Vehicle Excise 6,576.75
Air Pollution Control District 4,235.08
Special Education Authority 102,692.00
Boston Area Authority 1 1 ,37 5 .0 1
OVERLAY OF CURRENT YEAR $ 1,853^5128
GROSS AMOUNT TO BE RAISED $49,283,442.46
TAX RATE
$237.60
9
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - FISCAL YEAR 1977
July 1 , 1976 to June 30, 1977
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
REVENUE ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Revenue Cash $ 603,183.60
Cash Descrepancies:
WJ.R., Collector 253.57
PJ.W., Cashier 1,029.55
R. C., Deputy Collector 1 ,326.86
E. W., Deputy Collector 43 1 .1 5
Treasurer’s Overs and Shorts and Bank Errors 1 ,668.63
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes, FY 1977 $ 887,11234
Taxes, FY 1976 417,829.55
Taxes, FY 1975 342,288.37
Taxes, FY 1974 93,329.90
Taxes, 1973 193,52030
Taxes, 1972 116,178.28
Taxes, 1971 89,407.09
Taxes, Prior Years 146,575.66
2,286,241 .49
Tax Titles 487,701.13
Tax Possessions 86,38136
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes:
1977 447,075.17
1976 . . . ; 235,656.77
1975 182,853.44
1974 201,915.77
10
1973 . . .
1971 . . .
1970 . . .
Prior Years
157,78637
82,710.13
53,901.12
31 1,513.74
REVENUE ACCOUNTS - ASSETS
Building Demolition Charges Added to Taxes:
FY 1977 $
FY 1976
FY 1975
FY 1973-1974
FY 1971
FY 1970
Prior Years
1 5 .245 .00
25.180.00
3.900.00
18.073.00
1 .985.00
23,656.80
3.842.00
Departmental Accounts Receivable:
School Department 57,112.19
Public Works Department 100.00
P .W .D . Building Division 9,281.25
P.W.D. Incinerator Division 13,058.13
P.W.D. Water Division 2,21837
Water Department Accounts
State Aid to Highways — Chapter 90
Revenue FY-1 978
Middlesex County Taxes and Assessments FY-1 977 . . .
Overlay FY-1 977
Overlay FY— 1976
Overlay FY-1 975
Overlay FY-1 973/1 974
Overlay 1972
Overlay 1971
Overlay 1970
Overlay Prior Years
1,673,41231
91,881.80
81.769.94
637,280.12
246,70339
40,780316.08
75.806.94
1,438324.77
758,874.08
375,919.98
394,092.47
143,428.65
10334635
67,435.58
212,813.02
11
Reserve for Cash Variations and Bank Errors 131 .49
Reserve for Petty Cash Advances 600.00
$50,550,454.71
REVENUE ACCOUNTS — LIABILITIES
Cashiers Overages $ 973.92
Petty Cash Advances 600.00
Taxes, 1970 A/R 52,751.83
Tax Titles — Rent Receipts 645.00
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes, 1972 8,534.55
City Clerks Deposits 6,080.15
Treasury — Guarantee Deposits 45,119.19
School Deposits:
Forfeited Fees 22,65036
County Aid to Highways — Chapter 90 29,765.93
Revenue FY— 1977 446,961.01
Temporary Loans 900,000.00
Teachers’ Retirement Deductions . 163,990.21
Federal Withholding Taxes 137,228.09
State Withholding Taxes 42 3 1 5 .75
Employees Insurance Deductions 1,162.54
Employees Group Insurance Deductions 14,161.61
Employees Group Insurance Dividends 312.00
Group Insurance for Elderly Retirees 1 ,35322
U. S. Savings Bond Deductions 3,163.54
Reserve — Savings Bond Deductions 6,432.13
Blue Cross Deductions 62,602.77
Blue Cross Dividends 3,879.50
Sale of Real Estate 63,126.00
Unexpended Balances:
Income of Trust Funds 19,602.84
Tailings 22,900.98
Tailings — Water Department 1,882.87
Premium on Bonds 23,552.20
12
Revenue Appropriations FY 1978 40,347,024.14
Revenue Appropriations FY 1977 1,480,886.92
Conservation Commission Fund 4,20533
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grants:
Somerville Youth Program
Dept. Youth Services Grant — FY 75 28.63
C.C.J. Project No. 74C-025.1 1 1
Reimbursement Project CASE 3 1 .40
C.C.J. Project No. 77C-204.51 1 1 7,54021
C.C.J. Project No . 77C-2043 1 1 1
State Buy— In Funds 1,860.00
Occupational Education —
Project No. D-2077 7,244.07
DARE Girl’s Court Project
C.C.J. Project No. 76C-159.1 153 348.83
C .C J . Project No . 76C-1 59 .1 1 53
State Buy— In Funds 1,481.62
C.CJ. Project No. 76C-303.1 153 3,124.57
C.CJ. Project No. 76C-303.1 153
State Buy— In Funds 2,611.00
Federal Grants — Manpower Development and Training Act:
P.L. 92-54, Section 6. E.E.A. - 25-2-0004 .02
Recreation Support Program: —
RI- 1971 -93 -25 .10
RI_ 1972 -No. 2001 -25 1630
C.E.T.A., Title III FY 1974 22023
C.E.T.A., Title I FY 1975 .85
C.S.A. No. 10094 - FY 1976 25.87
U.S. Department of Labor Grants:
Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973:
Title I 27,52035
Title I — Summer Youth Employment Program
FY 1975 1,013.00
Title II -FY 1974 1,239.59
Title II -FY 1975 834126
Title II -FY 1976 16,924.80
Title II -FY 1977 28,131.58
13
Title III - FY 1974 Summer Job Corps 14.00
Title III - FY 1976 Summer Job Corps 4,19738
Title III — Bilingual Training Program 1 ,475 .00
Title VI- FY 1976 6,655.00
Title VI - FY 1 977 7 ,29 1 .80
C. of M. Grants — Wilderness Program: —
C.C J, Project No. 75C-281 .1 1 ,
State Buy— In Funds 2.45
Cash Match Share from H.U.D., C.C J.
No.75C-281.ll 7.44
C.C.J. Project No. 76C-161 .1124 931 .05
C.C J. Project No. 76C-161 .1 124
State Buy— In Funds 9.43
C. of M. Grants — C.C J. — Police Department: —
Police Auto Theft Bureau —
C.CJ. Project No. 76C-158.0438 1,426.33
C.C J. Project No. 76C-1 58.0438
State Buy— In Funds 350.00
C.CJ. Project No. 77C-186.1 435 3,08532
C.CJ. Project No. 77C-186.1435
State Buy— In Funds 190.00
Field Improvement Operations —
C.CJ. Project No. 7 6C -160 .0343
State Buy— In Funds 2938
C.CJ. Project No. 77C-187.1321 120.64
C.CJ. Project No. 77C-187.1321
State Buy— In Funds 373 96
Planning and Research Unit —
C.CJ. Project No. 76C-155. 0212 68830
C.CJ. Project No. 76C-155.0212
State Buy— In Funds 289.00
School Department: — C. of M., Department of Education
Public Law 864 17,93229
Public Law 874 82,65839
Public Law 87-^15, MDT A 1^59.76
Adult Basic Education — SCALE
Project No. 73-24 2,246.14
Project No. 74-24 201 .80
14
Project No. 75-24 13.61
Project No. 75— 43 868.21
Project No. 76-24 31,473.11
Project No. 77-24 45,877.53
Grant Related Income —
Project No. 75-24, 75-43 8,852.19
Public Law 89-10/92-318, Title I
Project No. 72-274 766.07
Project No. 73-274-058 BLAST 3,293.22
Project No. 73-274-207 S.E.P 899.88
Project No. 74-274-093 BLAST 865.90
Project No. 74-274-315 S.EP 868.27
Project No. 75-274-134 BLAST 51035
Project No. 75-274-303 S.EP 1 1 .65
Project No. 76-274-147 BLAST 519.51
Project No. 77-274-063 103,481.19
Public Law 89— 10, Title II — Library Learning Resources
1974 .59
Project No. 89-1974 1 ,086.84
Project No. 74— Northeastern Jr. High School —
1974 47039
Project No. 75— Powder House Community School —
1974 653.71
Project No. 312— Winter Hill Community School —
FY 1975 8,65638
A.D. Healey School — FY 1976 394.71
Project No. 274 — Cummings School 5 ,941 .69
Public Law 93— 203— Occupational Education —
C.E.T.A. Section 112
Project No. 275 762.95
Project No. 276-5 2,19320
Project No. 277-5 9,166.36
Public Law 89-313 Title VI -B -
Habilitating Communication Disorders
Project No. 77— 274— 37B 6,220.00
Public Law 92—318 —
Vocational Educational Projects 1,832.06
C. of M. Bureau of Equal Education Opportunity —
Title IV 1377.00
15
Public Law 93— 380 — Title IV —
Bureau of Curriculum Services
Project Inside/Outside No. 023— 77 9,355.26
Public Law 93— 380 — Title IV— B
Libraries and Learning Resources
E.SJE A. - FY 1976 9,500.71
Libraries and Learning Resources — FY 1977 . . 44,851.82
Public Law 93-380 - Title IV-C -
Community Resources Project No. 27— 78 .... 11,000.00
Public Law 89-10, Title VI -B
Mass. Rehabilitation Commission 10,062.07
Public Law 91—527 Drug Abuse Prevention —
FY 1975 6,000.00
C. of M., Department Elder Affairs — Council on Aging . . .20
C. of M. Grant, Council for Aging Persons 56.57
Federal Grant, Dept, of Housing and Urban Development —
Comprehensive Planning Assistance Grant — Section 701
Project No. 1975-CPA-MA-01 -06-1023 . . 457.03
Community Development Block Grant —
FY 1975 No. B-75-MC -25-0022 151.25
FY 1976 No. B-76-MC -25-0022 1,789.96
FY 1977 No. B-77-MC -25-0022 3,651.42
Federal Grant H.E.W., Public Health Service
Lead Control Program — FY 1975 —
Project No. 01— H—000 181—03—0 3 £78.62
E.M.O.C. Manpower Planning Board 1,12135
C. of M. Grant, Bicentennial Commission:
Improvements to Powder House Park 4,209.49
Cash Match - H.UX>. - FY 1976 186.29
Federal Grant, E.P A. — Solid Waste Management Programs: —
Multi— Service Source Separation
No. S— 803683— 01— 0 1,370.00
Grant Related Income —
Sale of Recycling Materials 33,231 .07
Vista ACTION Grant — No. 21 167 — Career Development 107.00
Federal Grant, Title VIII ACTION
Volunteer Coordinator Program — FY 1974 1 ,05537
16
C. of M., Bureau of Library Extension
P.L. 91—600, Title II - No. 75-1 - L.S.C.A
Friends of Library Grant
Somerville Police Detail Account
Hot Lunch Receipts
Athletic Receipts
Parking Meter Receipts:
Off-Street Parking
On-Street Parking
Middlesex County — Dog Licenses
State Taxes and Assessments — FY 1977
Overlay 1962
Overlay 1963
Overlay 1964
Treasury — City Owned Property A/R
Revenue Reserve Until Collected: —
Motor Vehicle Excise Revenue . . . 1,664,877.96
Tax Title Revenue 487,701.13
Tax Possessions Revenue 86,381.36
Building Demolition Charges
Revenue 91,881.80
Departmental Revenue 81,768.94
Water Revenue 637,280.12
Aid to Highways Revenue 216,937.66
Reserve for Cash Discrepancies
Reserve for Unpaid Real Estate and Personal Taxes
Surplus Revenue
5,19638
137.49
4.50
336,443.46
19,019.44
13,783.07
24,242.82
1,010.50
153,520.62
401.12
589.37
61222
1.00
3266,828.97
4,84125
2,063,15437
127,571.16
$50,550,454.71
17
TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
ASSETS
Trust and Invested Funds —
Cash and Securities $ 9,508,193.58
$ 9,508,193.58
LIABILITIES
Trust Funds:
Contagious Hospital Funds . . . 2,168.23
School F unds 1 3 ,5 1 9 .49
library Funds 41,81932
Welfare Funds 6,94835
Recreation Funds 3,645.76
68,101.15
Invested Funds:
Municipal Buildings
Insurance Fund 5,46535
* Somerville Retirement System
Fund 9,431 ,25337
Veterans Housing Fund 3,373.81
9,440,092.43
9308,19338
* Figures submitted by Somerville Retirement Board
REVENUE RECEIPTS
RECEIPTS
GENERAL
Taxes 30,892,954.62
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes .. 1,706,130.15
Tax Titles 16,83439
Tax Possessions 9,000.00
18
Licenses and Permits 198,022.25
Fines and Forfeits 189,796.02
Grants and Gifts 4,107,608.92
Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
Local Aid Fund —
Lottery Distribution .... 781,272.06
Civil Defense Agency ... 13,123.15
Office of Secretary —
State Census 2032630
School Aid — Chapter 70 5 ,402,836.98
Construction of School Projects
Ch. 645 930329.16
Vocational Ed. — Ch. 74 S.9 —
1967 -Ch 791 360,173.00
School Transportation —
Ch. 71 , S.7A 38344.00
Redevelopment Authority —
Ch. 121A,S.10 236,480.64
Urban Renewal Corporation —
Lieu of Taxes 8,138.21
Special Education Programs —
Ch. 71 B - 1972,
Chapter 766 1,006,016.00
Transitional Bilingual Ed. —
Ch. 71 A 83,55121
Department of Education —
CPL Sec. 403 100.00
Free Public Libraries —
G.L. Ch. 78, S.— 19A 33,292.13
Highway Fund Distribution —
Ch. 492 216,211.43
Mass . Rehab . Commission 5 .00
Cash Overages 75.74
Sale of Real Estate 5 8 ,5 75 .00
46,309396.56
19
DEPARTMENTAL
General Government 72,753.22
Protection to Persons
& Property 14,252.67
Health and Sanitation 32,353.80
Veterans Services 82,65034
School and School Buildings . . 8,219.73
Hot Lunch Receipts 192,640.69
Athletic Re ceipts 10,31138
Central & Branch Libraries . . . 3,03729
P.WD. Highway Division .... 4,305.00
P.WD. Parking Meters
Receipts 29,165.64
Teachers Retirement
Deductions 570,782.14
Federal Withholding Taxes . . . 4,272,873.01
State Withholding Taxes .... 1 ,283 ,77 1 .06
Employees Insurance
Deductions 35525
Employees Group Insurance
Deductions 38,048.77
Employees Group Insurance
Dividends 312.00
Group Insurance for Elderly
Retirees 4,947.63
Savings Bond Deductions .... 34,043.02
Blue Cross Deductions 801,15232
Blue Cross Dividends 1 ,207 30
Indemnification of Fire Losses 416,435.00
7,873,617.86
Deposits $ 30,663.76
Water Department Accounts 1,240,808.91
Interest on Taxes, etc 98,445.16
Trust Fund Income 14,524.49
Accrued Interest 6,396.88
Temporary Loans 17,000,000.00
20
Premiums on Bonds 12,236.25
Refunds 96,864.46
Total Receipts 72,682^5433
Cash Balance July 1,1976 1,334,757.29
TOTAL RECEIPTS 74,017,711.62
REVENUE PAYMENTS
PAYMENTS:
Appropriations — FY 1978 $ 433,291.94
Appropriations — FY 1977 34,224,027.22
Interest 1,913,053.63
Reduction of Funded Debt 2,265,000.00
Refunds 1,109,571.09
City Clerks Deposits 649 26
Guarantee Deposits 1,000.00
School — Book Deposits 2,000.00
School — Forfeited Fees 5,903.92
Teachers Retirement Deductions 752,582.42
Federal Withholding Taxes 4,669^66.44
State Withholding Taxes 1,400,86632
Employees Insurance Deductions 42635
Employees Group Insurance Deductions 32,778.92
Group Insurance for Elderly Retirees 4,098.10
Savings Bond Deductions 32,792.90
Blue Cross Deductions 806,619.85
Temporary Loans 16,100,000.00
Income of Trust Funds 6,735.88
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grants:
DARE Girl’s Court Project
Project No. 76C-1 59. 1153 26,905.02
Project No.76C-159.1153
State Buy— In Funds 1,12938
21
Project No. 76C -303. 1153 20,875.43
C.L.F.A. Drug Screening and Referral Program
Project No. 72— 142X— 529AO 254.00
C.C J. Somerville Wilderness Program
Project No. 75C-281. 11
Cash Match from H.UD 63.00
Project No. 76C-161. 1124 11,036.41
Project No. 76C-161. 1124
State Buy— In Funds 657.57
Project No.76C-161.1124
Cash Match from H.UD 54933
C.L.E.A. Community Youth Resources Bureau
Project No . 70-040 A-EIC AM 1 23 .45
Somerville Youth Program
Project No. C.C.J. 74C -025.1 11 12.00
Project No. C.C J. 74C -025.1 1 1
Reimbursement from C.A.S.E 1 1 5 .77
Project No. C.C.J. 75C-13 1 .1115
State Buy— In Funds 1 .00
Project No. C.C.J. 76C-156.1 115 48,677.03
Project No. C.C.J. 76C-156.1 115
State Buy-In Funds 5,018.00
Project No. C.C.J. 77C-20431 1 1 30,559.79
Youth Services Grant FY 1975 107.80
Project No . D-2077 Full Circle School 33 ,805 .93
Federal Grants:
E.O.A. Community Action Program
Recreation Support Program — 1973 96.80
C.S.A. Funds — Recreation Support Program
- Project No. 10094 15,433.98
Comprehensive Employment and Training Act
Title I - Project No. 2-1 654^98.57
Title I — Summer Youth Employment
Program 358.42
Title II - 1974 575.83
Title II - 1976 27,169.11
Title II - 1977 38,840.11
Title III — 1976 Bilingual Program 27,025.00
22
Title III — Summer Youth Employment
Program — FY 1976
Title VI — FY 1975 Work Experience Program
No. 02— VI— I
Title VI- FY 1977
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grants:
C.C J. Police Auto Theft
Project No. 74C-1 61. 161
Project No.74C-161.161
State Buy— In Funds
Project No. 76C-1 58. 0438
Project No. 77C-186.1435
C.CJ. Police Field Operations
Project No. 73C-1 25-039
Project No. 74C-1 43 .032
Project No.74C-143.032
State Buy-In Funds
Project No. 75 C— 039.0343
Project No . 76C-1 60 .0343
Project No.76C-160.0343
State Buy— In Funds
Project No. 77C— 187.1321
Project No.77C-187.1321
State Buy— In Funds
C.CJ. Police Planning and Research
Project No. 76C-155.0212
C.CJ. Police Record Filing System
Project No. 72-021X-529AO
C.L.E.A. Regional and Local Disorder Unit
Project No . 7 1 -09X-529AO
C.L.E.A. Police Teleprocessing Terminals
Project No. 71 -59 Y
School Department Grants:
Public Law 864
Public Law 874
Public Law 91 —230, Adult Basic Education - Title III
Project No. 75—24/75^13
Grant Related Income
301,943 .83
24,555.10
39,17320
1318.52
98.00
4.873.67
2.758.68
66.90
38.71
72.50
3.76
24,701.85
1357.42
24,839.36
1,013.04
1,491.12
.55
823.85
223.00
3388.35
1,663.99
9372.69
23
Project No. 76-24 6,256.46
Project No. 77-24 65,701.47
Public Law 89—10 Title I
Project No. 76-274-147 - BLAST 137,422.84
Project No. 77-274-063 752,745.07
Public Law 89-10 Title II - Bureau of Library Extension
Project No . 3 12 — Winter Hill
Community School 332.73
Arthur D. Healey School 1 ,072.01
Project No. 274 Cummings School 6,535.99
Public Law 92—318 — Vocational Educational
Projects - 1974/75 703.69
Pub He Law 93—203 — CETA — Section 112
Project No. 275 12,12192
Project No. 276-5 29,141.80
Project No. 277-5 17,553.64
Public Law 93-380 - Title IV
Project No. 023— 77 Inside/Outside 35,097.74
Public Law 93-380 - Title IV-B
Libraries and Learning Resources 14,547.44
Public Law 89-313 - Title VI-B
Project No. 77-274-37B 3,780.00
Federal Grants:
H.U.D. Community Development Block Grants —
Project No. B-75-MC -25-0022 - FY 1975 14,334.73
Project No. B-76-MC -25-0022 - FY 1976 517,408.18
Project No. B-77-MC-25-0022 - FY 1977 41 ,348.58
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bicentennial Commission
Improvement to Powder House Park - Grant . . . 7,632.46
Improvement to Powder House Park —
H.UJD. Cash Match 14,813.71
Conservation Commission Fund 11,956.43
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Department of
Education - Public Law 91 -600, Title II
L.S.C.A.
Project No. 75-1 99,768.12
Library Grant — Somerville Lions Club - Bookmobile 14,482.00
Library Grant — Friends of the Library 1 ,574.51
24
Federal Grant — Environmental Protection Agency
Multi Material Source Separation Program
Project No. S-803683-01 -0
Grant Related Income —
Sale of Recycling Materials
Vista Action Grant — Career Development
Somerville Police Details
Hot Lunch Receipts
Athletic Receipts
State Taxes and Assessments - FY 1977
Middlesex County Taxes and Assessments — FY 1977
Middlesex County — Dog Licenses
Middlesex County — Sale of Dogs
Total Payments to Date
Cash Balance on Hand
TOTAL
NON REVENUE
RECEIPTS:
Loans in Anticipation of Bond Issues:
Planning Bonds for Street Construction
Remodeling of Conwell & Healey
Elementary Schools
Construction of Public Ways
Bonds Issued :
School Project Loan — Ward II
School Project Loan — Ward IV ....
Remodeling of Conwell & Healey
Elementary Schools
Departmental Equipment Bonds ....
Planning Bonds for Street Construction
12,000.00
2,000.00
65.00
2,322.00
854,307.19
10,57525
4,675,299.01
891,874.04
8,887.85
129.00
73,414,528.02
603,183.60
74,017,711.62
125.000. 00
575.000. 00
50.000. 00
2.252.000. 00
1.854.000. 00
2,083,141.00
90.000. 00
240.000. 00
25
Refunds
Cash Invested
Total Receipts
Cash Balance as of July 1,1976
TOTAL
PAYMENTS:
Appropriations
Loans in Anticipation of Bond Issues:
School Project Loan — Ward II
School Project Loan — Ward IV ....
Remodeling of Conwell & Healey
Elementary Schools
Departmental Equipment Bonds ....
Planning Bonds for Street Construction
Total Payments
Cash on Hand
TOTAL
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING
RECEIPTS:
Revenue Sharing Funds
Anti-recession Fiscal Assistance .
Accrued Interest on invested Funds
Total Receipts
Cash balance as of July 1 , 1976
22,206.79
100,000.00
7 391 ^47 .79
868,13838
8,259,48637
1,743,78535
2.252.000. 00
1.854.000. 00
1.285.000. 00
90,000.00
125,000.00
7349,78535
909,700.82
8359,48637
2,024,672.00
551323.00
30336.17
2,606331.17
50353.48
2,657,484.65
TOTAL
26
PAYMENTS:
Special Appropriations 2 ,6 1 1 ,1 93 .78
Total Payments 2,611,193.78
Cash Balance on Hand 46,290.87
TOTAL 2,657,484.65
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
ASSETS
Net Bonded Debt 30,655,000.00
30,655,000.00
LIABILITIES
Loans Within Statutory Debt Limit :
School Remodeling Loan — 1969 . 135,000.00
P.WD. Incinerator Loan —
1958/1959 130,000.00
Funding Loan — 1971 5,245,000.00
Water Main Bonds — 1974 40,000.00
Municipal Purpose Loan — 1974 . . 580,000.00
Capital Improvement Loan — 1974 80,000.00
Fire Station Construction Loan —
1975 1 ,240 ,000 .00
Library Remodeling & Reconstruction
Loan 1 ,330,000.00
Planning Bonds — Broadway
Construction 285,000.00
Departmental Equipment Loan —
1977 90,000.00
27
Planning Bonds — Street Construction
-1977 240,000.00
9395,0001)0
Loans Outside Statutory Debt limit :
Elementary School Loan — 1964
Elementary School Loan - 1970
School Project Loan - 1971
Urban Renewal Loan — 1969
School Project Loan — 1974
School Project Loan — 1975
Capital Improvement Loan — 1975
School Project Loan - 1977
810,000.00
2350.000. 00
3.700.000. 00
495,000.00
5.670.000. 00
2.010.000. 00
80,000.00
5,945,000.00
21 ,260,000.00
30,655,000.00
NON REVENUE ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Non Revenue Cash 909,700.82
Cash Invested 100,000.00
Loans Authorized 6,000 ,000 D0
7,009,700.82
28
LIABILITIES
Loans Unissued 5,950,000.00
Loans in Anticipation of Bond Issues:
Construction of Public Ways 50,000.00
Somerville Housing Authority 1,743.09
C. of M., Highway Improvement Fund 43.56
Appropriations 1 ,007 ,914.17
7,009,700.82
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Special Cash 46,290.87
46,290.87
LIABILITIES
Appropriations — Revenue Sharing 45,725.55
Anti -recession Fiscal Assistance 56532
46,290.87
29
SUMMARY
RECEIPTS
Total Revenue Receipts 72,682^5433
Total Non— Revenue Receipts 7 ,39 1 ,347.79
Total Special Cash Receipts 2 ,606 3 3 1 .1 7
Total Receipts 82,680,83339
Total Cash Balance as of July 1,1976 2,253,84935
Total 84,934,682.64
PAYMENTS
Total Revenue Payments 73,414,528.02
Total Non Revenue Payments 7,349,785.55
Total Special Cash Payments 2,61 1 ,193.78
Total Payments 83,375,50735
T otal Cash Balance on Hand 1359,17539
Total 84,934,682.64
The foregoing statements reflect all financial transactions of the
City of Somerville from July 1, 1976, through June 30, 1977. Any in-
quiries regarding these statements or requests for additional information
may be directed to the Auditing Department.
Mary E. Fothergill
City Auditor
30
REPORT OF THE
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES
To the Honorable , the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
I herewith present the annual report of the City Treasurer and
Collector of Taxes for the fiscal year 1976—1977.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Hilliard
City Treasurer and
Collector of Taxes
STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
FISCAL YEAR 1976 - 1977
Revenue Funds
Non— Revenue
Funds
Totals
Cash Balance
July 1,1976
$ 1 ,242,609.77
$ 836,830.58
$ 2,079,44035
Receipts
72,682^5433
7391347.79
80,074302.12
$73225,564.10
$ 8328,178.37
$82,153,742.47
DISBURSEMENTS
Revenue
Payments
73,414,528.02
7349,78535
80,764313.57
Cash on Hand
June 30, 1977
$ 511,036.08
$ 878392.82
$ 1 ,389,428.90
31
SPECIAL CASH ACCOUNT
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING
July 1,1976 $ 50,953.48
Receipts 2,606,531.17
$ 2,657,484.65
TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 2,611,193.78
46,290.87
SCHEDULE OF TAX LIENS
ASSESSMENT AND VALUATIONS
Assessed Valuation - 1976-77 REAL and PERSONAL $ 141,915,200.00
Equalized Valuation — 1976-77 as determined by
State Tax Commission 330,000,000.00
Motor Vehicle Valuation — 1976-77 $66.00 per $1 ,000.
Real Estate and Personal Property
Tax Rate - 1976-77 $237.60 per $1 ,000.
Committed for Collection 1976-1977
Real Estate Taxes $28,937,342.60
Water Liens 145,192.95
TOTAL REAL ESTATE $29,082,535.55
Personal Property Taxes — 1976-77 $ 4,796,953.92
1 976-77 Real & Personal Tax Levy $33,879,489.47
Water Department Accounts
Committed for Collection 1976-77 $ 1,216,965.04
32
Other Departmental Accounts
Committed for Collection 1976-77 $ 94,275.80
TOTAL AMOUNT COMMITTED $35,190,73031
State Assessment for City in 1976— 1977 $ 4,675,299.01
County Tax Assessment for City in 1976—1977 .... $ 917,289.90
County Hospital Assessment for City in 1976— 1977 .. $ 24,184.09
TOTAL ASSESSMENTS $ 5,616,773.00
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES COMMITTED IN 1976-1977
Comm.
Date
Amount
No. 1
3-14-77
255,73330
2
3-23-77
782,600.00
3
4-29-77
3,527.70
4
6-2-77
TOTAL
213,498.82
1355,560.02
1976 EXCISE COMMITTED IN 1976-1977
Comm.
Date
Amount
No.
9-7-76
296,724.60
9-18-76
4,818.84
1-3-77
124,170.86
2-28-77
14,850.00
2-18-77
61,942.10
4-21-77
3,761.74
5-13-77
68,096.05
TOTAL
574364.19
33
1975 EXCISE COMMITTED IN 1976-1977
Comm.
Date
Amount
No.
8-31-76
62,537,23
2-18-77
5,714.81
TOTAL
68,252.04
1974 EXCISE COMMITTED IN 1976-1977
Comm.
No.
Date Amount
11-12-76 1,789.52
4-18-77 1,05930
TOTAL 2,848.82
TOTALS 1 ,900,825.07
TEMPORARY LOANS IN 1976-1977
IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUE
Date of Note Due Date
8-2-76 11-4-77
8-24-76 11-8-76
Rate Amount
25 0M @ 3.35% 1,000,000.
25 0M @ 330%
250M @ 3.75%
25 0M @ 3.40%
250M @ 3.79% 3,000,000.
25 0M @ 4.50%
250M @ 4.75%
1 ,000M @ 5.55%
1JOOOM @ 5.75%
200M @ 5.87%
50M @ 6.00%
34
9_14_76
11-15-76
250M
@
435%
1,000,000.
25 0M
@
4.60%
250M
@
4.74%
200M
@
4.85%
50M
@
A 99%
9-27-76
11-30-76
25 OM
@
4.70%
1,500,000.
500M
@
4.74%
500M
@
4.94%
250M
@
4.95%
10-26-76
12-10-76
1,500M
@
4.49%
2,000,000.
500M
@
4.00%
11-9-76
12-20-76
1 ,000M
@
4.47%
1,000,000.
11-23-76
12-31-76
1 ,000M
@
4.94%
1,000,000.
12-15-76
12-31-76
4 ,000M
@
5.24%
4,000,000.
1-4-77
4-2-77
1 ,000M
@
4.90%
1,000,000.
1-18-77
5-10-77
500M
@
423%
1,000,000.
250M
@
4.68%
250M
@
4.73%
1-31-77
5-13-77
500M
@
4.70%
1,500,000.
500M
@
4.74%
500M
@
4.94%
2-15-77
5-13-77
250M
@
4.80%
1,500,000.
500M
@
4.84%
250M
@
4.95%
500M
@
5.10%
3-1-77
5-10-77
1 ,000M
@
4.92%
1,000,000.
3-16-77
5-13-77
500M
@
4.73%
500,000.
TOTAL
21,000,000.
35
BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES ISSUED IN 1976-1977
August 26,1976
$75,000.00 @ 5.25% Interest payable at maturity October 28,1976
for
CONWELL HEALEY REMODELING
September 17, 1976
$350,000.00 @ 4.70% Interest payable at maturity October 28,
1976 for
CONWELL HEALEY REMODELING
December 20, 1976
$25,000.00 @ 5.25% Interest payable at maturity March 1, 1977
for
CONWELL HEALEY REMODELING
January 17, 1977
$125,000.00 @ 5.25% Interest payable at maturity March 1, 1977
for
PLANNING BONDS
January 24, 1977
$125,000.00 @ 5.25% Interest payable at maturity March 1, 1977
for
CONWELL HEALEY REMODELING
March 1,1977
$6,275,000.00
BOND SALE
May 6, 1977
$50,000.00 @ 4.95% Interest payable at maturity January 31, 1978
for
STREET BOND
36
SCHEDULE OF OUTSTANDING FUND DEBT
as of
JUNE 30, 1977
Description of Issue
Interest
Rate
Date of
Issue
Due
Date
Amount Due
School Remodeling Loan— 1969
P.W.D. Incinerator Loan —
5.60%
8-1-69
1983
135,000.00
1958/1959
3.10%
2-1-59
1977
130,000.00
Funding Loan — 1971
5.60%
12-1-73
1991
5,245,000.00
Water Main Bonds — 1974
5.00%
2-1-74
1980
40,000.00
Municipal Purpose Loans — 1974
Capital Improvement Loan —
5.00%
2-1-74
1982
580,000.00
1974
5.00%
2-1-74
1981
80,000.00
Fire Station Const. Loan-1975
Library Remodel &
7.90%
9-1-75
1992
1,240,000.00
Reconst. Loan
7.20%
9-1-75
1984
1 ,330,000.00
Planning Bonds— Broadway
Departmental Equipment
7.20%
9-1-75
1980
285,000.00
Loan - 1977
Planning Bonds — Street
6.87%
3-1-77
1980
90,000.00
Construction — 1977
6.87%
3-1-77
1981
240,000.00
TOTAL OF LOANS INSIDE DEBT LIMIT 9,395 ,000.00
LOANS OUTSIDE STATUTORY DEBT LIMIT
Elementary School Loan — 1964
3.10%
10-1-64
1982
810,000.00
Elementary School Loan — 1970
5.60%
9-1-70
1989
2,550,000.00
School Project Loan — 1971
5.25%
8-1-72
1991
3,700,000.00
Urban Renewal Loan — 1969
5.60%
8-1-69
1986
495,000.00
School Project Loan — 1974
5.50%
12-1-73
1994
5,670,000.00
School Project Loan — 1975
Capital Improvement Loan —
7.90%
9-1-75
1993
2,010,000.00
1975
7.20%
9-1-75
1993
80,000.00
School Project Loan — 1977
6.87%
3-1-77
1995
5,945,000.00
TOTAL LOANS OUTSIDE STATUTORY LIMIT 21 ,260,000.00
37
PROJECTED ANNUAL FUNDED DEBT AND INTEREST
PAYMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,1976
Total Amount
Year
Principal
Interest
Due
1977
2,265,000.00
1,438,642.50
3,703,642.50
1978
2,105,000.00
1 ,310,557.50
3,415,557.50
1979
1 ,980,000.00
1 ,194,527.50
3,174,52730
1980
1,890,000.00
1,082^90.00
2,972,590.00
1981
1,825,000.00
973360.00
2,798^60.00
1982
1,770,000.00
870,185.00
2,640,185.00
1983
1,685,000.00
770,010.00
2,455,010.00
1984
1,540,000.00
672,430.00
2^12,430.00
1985
1,400,000.00
580,575.00
1,980,575.00
1986
1 ,380,000.00
498,800.00
1,878,800.00
1987
1 ,350,000.00
418,145.00
1,768,145.00
1988
1,350,000.00
339,170.00
1,689,170.00
1989
1,300,000 .00
260,195.00
1360,195.00
1990
1,150,000.00
184,110.00
1334,110.00
1991
1,095,000.00
116345.00
1311345.00
1992
500,000.00
51,375.00
551375.00
1993
350,000.00
23,025.00
373,025.00
1994
150,000.00
4,125.00
154,125.00
TOTALS
25,085,000.00
10,788,067.50
35,873,067.50
Month Due
August
September
PROJECTED FUNDED DEBT AND INTEREST
TO BE PAID IN 1976-1977
Bond Amount
450.000. 00
660.000. 00
Interest
On Bonds
316.752.50
286.212.50
Total
766.752.50
946.212.50
38
October
130,000.00
14325.00
144 325.00
December
350,000.00
156,660.00
506,660.00
February
620,000.00
304,590.00
924390.00
March
55,000.00
263,352.50
31835230
April
—
12,895.00
12,895.00
June
—
146,860.00
146,860.00
TOTALS
2,265,000.00
1 ,502,247.50
3,767,247.50
PROJECTED ANNUAL FUNDED DEBT AND INTEREST
PAYMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,1977
Total Amount
Year
Principal
Interest
Due
1978
2,530/300.00
1 ,728,353.95
435835355
1979
2,400,000.00
1382377.08
3382377.08
1980
2,210,000.00
1 ,441 ,46438
3,751,464.58
1981
2^15,000.00
1302390.86
3317390.86
1982
2,100,000.00
1,176,46552
3376,46552
1983
2,015,000.00
1,053,603.42
3,068,603.42
1984
1,870,000.00
93333552
2,80333552
1985
1,730,000.00
818,793.42
2348,793.42
1986
1,710,000.00
71433052
2,42433052
1987
1,680,000.00
610388.43
2390388.43
1988
1,680,000.00
50932552
2,189325.92
1989
1,630,000.00
407,663.42
2,037,663.42
1990
1,480,000.00
308,89052
1,788,89052
1991
1,425,000.00
218338.42
1,643338.42
1992
830,000.00
130,78052
960,78052
1993
680,00000
79,745.42
759,745.42
1994
480,000.00
38,15552
518,15552
1995
330,000.00
11343.42
341343.42
TOTALS
30,095,000.00
13j066,248.86
42,161348.86
39
REPORT OF THE
BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS
March 1978
To the Honorable, the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The Board of Election Commissioners respectfully submits the fol-
lowing report for the year 1976—1977.
REGISTRATION
Before State Primary September 14, 1976, registration was held in
the office at City Hall beginning on January 2nd and continuing until
August 17, 1976, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. every day except Satur-
day; also on Monday August 9th, Tuesday August 13th, and Monday
August 16th, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., Saturday, August 14 from 12:00
Noon to 10:00 P.M. Last day of registration on Tuesday, August 17th
from 8 :30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. at City Hall.
OUTSIDE REGISTRATIONS WERE AS FOLLOWS
Monday , August 9th East Somerville Community School
on Glen Street
Tuesday, August 10th Lincoln Pk. Community School
on Washington Street
Wednesday, August 11th Central Library
on Highland Avenue
Thursday, August 12 Winter Hill Community School
on Medford Street
40
Friday, August 13th Kennedy School
Cherry & Elm Street
West Branch Library
on College Avenue
Monday , August 1 6th Powder House Community School
on Broadway
As of June 30, 1976, there were 34,168 names on the Voting list.
869 names were added to the Voting List as follows :
MEN
WOMEN
TOTAL
July 1 thru August 6, 1976
105
109
214
August 9 thru August 16, 1976
141
177
318
Last Day — August 17,1976
150
187
337
396~
473
"869
As of August 17, 1976, total voters were 35,037.
After the State Primary September 14, 1976, three thousand seven
hundred and seventy— nine (3,779) names were added to the voting list
from August 18, 1976 thru October 5, 1976, as follows:
MEN
WOMEN
TOTAL
August 18 thru October 5,1976
1,755
2,024
3,779
As of October 5, 1976, total voters were 38,816.
NOMINATION PAPERS
The Board of Election Commissioners received three hundred and
thirty— seven (337) Democratic nomination papers, of which ten thousand
three hundred and one (10,301) names were certified. Eight (8) Republi-
can nomination papers, of which one hundred and five (105) names were
certified . Six (6) American nomination papers , of which one hundred and
41
thirty— eight (138) names were certified, and also six hundred and fifty-
one (651) Independent and other parties nomination papers, of which
four thousand five hundred and forty— nine (4,549) names were certified.
The Board of Election Commissioners also certified one thousand
six hundred and sixteen (1 ,616) initiative petitions.
JURORS
In accordance with Chapter 234 of the General Laws, as amended
by Chapter 21 1 of the Acts of 1924, the Election Commissioners prepared
a list of the inhabitants of Somerville, liable to serve as jurors,
The Board has established a system whereby each person provision-
ally selected for jury service fills out a questionnaire and appears before
the Board at the office and makes oath to the statements contained
therein. This gives the Board an opportunity to meet each individual and
note, if any, his physical defects or disability to render the county the
service that would be required from him as a juror. These personal ex-
aminations also enable the Board to know the educational qualifications
of each prospective juror.
The jury list for the years 1976—1977, prepared by the Board, con-
tains the names of seven hundred and ninety— six (796) prospective
jurors.
To the Honorable , the Major
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
The Listing Board of the City of Somerville respectfully submits
the following report for the 1976—1977.
Listing of males and females, seventeen years of age and upwards.
42
UNDER 17
MALE FEMALE
8,103 7,690
Respectfully submitted,
Philip J. Ercolini, Chairman
William George
Ida Donadio
R. Louise Skipper
Thomas J. O’Brien
Listing Board of the City of Somerville
17 & OVER
TOTAL MALE FEMALE TOTAL
15,793 26,458 31,873 58,331
NOTICES MAILED TO VOTERS NOT ON POLICE LISTING
MAILED — May 27, 1977 (all wards of the city)
WARD
TOTAL
1 273
2 446
3 573
4 680
5 622
6 443
7 805
3,842
Returned to Voting List 1 ,360
Undelivered 492
Out of City 28
Deceased 8
Unheard from 1 ,962
3,842
43
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
1977
To the Honorable, the Mayor,
and the Board of Aldermen
City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
We respectfully submit the following, which is a summary of the
work of the department for the year 1977, as the twenty— ninth annual
report of the Board of Health.
LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED
Slaughter
1 license
@
1.00
1.00
Physical Therapist
1 license
@
1.00
1.00
Milk
177 licenses
@
2.00
354.00
Ice Cream
152 licenses
@
1.00
152.00
Ice Cream Manufacture
12 licenses
@
5.00
50.00
Ice Cream Manufacture
1 license
@
200.00
200.00
Retail Food
145 permits
@
5.00
725.00
Combination Retail Food
& Food Service
234 permits
@
10.00
2340.00
Funeral Directors
21 permits
@
15.00
315.00
Rabies Inoculations
358 shots
@
3.00
1,074.00
Total monies collected 5 ,2 1 2 .00
44
BIOLOGICAL SUPPLIES AND DIAGNOSTIC TEST OUTFITS
The Board of Health continued as distribution center for all
biologic supplies and diagnostic test outfits, with substations at the fol-
lowing :
Health Clinic — Public Works Building
Central Hospital — Central Street
Somerville Hospital — Crocker Street
BIOLOGICALS:
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis antigen
Diptheria and tetanus
Diphtheria and tetanus — Adult
Immune serum globulin
Tuberculin
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus Toxoid
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and German Measles (combination)
Measles
DIAGNOSTIC OUTFITS:
Throat Cultures
Serology Tubes
Undulent Fever
Enteric Cultures
Gonorrhea Smear
TUBERCULIN TESTING PERFORMED BY SCHOOL NURSES
First Grade — Tine Test
Number tested 517
Number negative 516
Referred for further testing 1
45
Ninth Grade — Mantoux
Number tested 407
Number negative tested 403
Number retested by X-Ray 4
Number on prophylaxis 4
IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM PERFORMED BY SCHOOL NURSES
Polio 396
Tetanus — Diphtheria 330
Measles — Mumps — Rubella 408
Measles 283
Routine
Physicals
School
Physicians
Private
Physician
Student
Referral
Grade 4
484
467
275
9
Grade 9
300
294
131
4
TOTALS
784
761
406
13
Physical examinations completed in all schools and submitted to
the Massachusetts Department of Pub He Health.
Pub Uc Schools : Hearing tests performed 7,734
Hearing test failures 1 ,042
Hearing test follow— up 1,152
Parochial Schools: Hearing tests performed 1,434
Hearing test failures 178
Hearing test follow-up 245
46
Public Schools: Vision tests performed 7,529
Vision test failures 976
Vision test follow-up 1 ,004
Parochial Schools: Vision tests performed 2,136
Vision test failures 241
Vision test follow— up 210
TUBERCULIN TESTING PROGRAM AT HEALTH CLINIC
12 cases of tuberculosis reported:
1 admitted to University Hospital
1 admitted to Somerville Hospital
1 admitted to V.A. Hospital, Jamaica Plain
2 admitted to Cambridge Hospital
1 admitted to Middlesex County Hospital
1 admitted to Central Hospital
Age & Sex of Tuberculoses cases reported:
20 years to 30 years
30 years to 40 years
50 years to 60 years
60 years to 70 years
70 years to 80 years
0 Females — 1 Male
3 Females — 0 Males
0 Females — 2 Males
0 Females — 1 Male
1 Female — 4 Males
47
IMMUNIZATION CLINICS FOR 1977
Vaccine
Total
1st
2nd
3rd
Booster
Diphtheria, Pertusses & Tetanus
55
11
15
8
21
Diphtheria & Tetanus
. .129
39
23
14
53
Polio
. .206
46
39
26
95
Measles, Mumps & Rubella . . .
Tuberculin Skin Tests
. .123
Tine
. . 24
Mantoux
. .116
Measles
. . 5
TOTAL IMMUNIZATIONS
658
96
77
48
169
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES REPORTED
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH
1 . Chickenpox
51
5 . Salmonellosis
17
2. German Measles
3
6. Streptococcal
68
3. Hepatitis
6
7 . Tuberculosis
12
4. Meningitis
3
8 . Malaria
1
FLU CLINIC
There were 1,182 Flu inoculations administered by the Board of Health
run clinics:
813 — Elderly
131 — City Employees
7 — House Visits
231 — Teachers
1,182 —
Total
48
MORTALITY — 1977
Deaths by Ages
Male Female Total
1 . Under one year
2 . One to five years
3. Five to ten years
4. Ten to fifteen years
5. Fifteen to twenty years
6. Twenty to thirty years
7 . Thirty to forty years
8. Forty to fifty years
9. Fifty to sixty years
10. Sixty to seventy years
1 1 . Seventy to eighty years
12. Eighty to ninety years
13. Ninety to one— hundred years . .
14. Over one— hundred years
TOTALS
1
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
5
8
3
2
5
9
8
17
33
19
52
66
46
112
63
57
120
38
77
115
9
23
32
0
0
0
226
239
465
DEATHS AT INSTITUTIONS
1 . Deaths at Somerville Hospital
2. Deaths at Central Hospital
3. Deaths at Holy Rosary Home
4. Deaths at other Institutions
246
77
8
20
1968 — 696
1969 — 682
1970 — 696
1971 — 624
1972 — 613
1973 — 574
1974 — 566
1975 — 505
1976 — 529
1977 — 465
DEATHS DURING THE LAST 10 YEARS
CAUSES OF DEATHS — 1977
49
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TOTALS
50
ANIMAL BITES
Animal Bites Reported during the year 1977 :
Dog Bites 233
Cat Bites 3
Alligator Bite 1
Squirrel Bite 1
The above animal bites were reported to the Veterinarian when the
animal owner was known. Where possible the animal was ordered re-
strained .
On April 16, 1977 the Board of Health sponsored a Rabies Clinic for
Somerville residents.
365 Dogs were inoculated against Rabies.
HOUSING INSPECTION DIVISION
Total inspections made 1853
Violations reported 755
Re -inspections 1680
Violations corrected . 936
Landlords brought to court 92
Telephone complaints received for year
Telephone complaints 1265
Telephone complaints resolved 1265
Breakdown of telephone complaints :
Rubbish 394
Water 181
Electric 56
Heat 201
51
Rotents and vermin 126
Unsanitary conditions 49
Interior 74
Exterior 31
Dogs, cats and birds 394
Miscellaneous 70
TOTAL 1265
Some re— inspections made because original inspection made prior to
January 1, 1977.
Breakdown of court cases:
Court complaints (Trials) 21
Court complaints (Hearings) 71
Total court appearances 117
Law Enforcement :
Legal notices served regular mail 2284
Legal notices served — certified mail 205
SANITARY INSPECTIONS
Sanitary Inspections: 1. Request by State Department of Public Health
2. Request by Telephone
3 . Request by Mail
4. Routine Inspections of Establishments
Number of Establishments Inspected
384
52
1. Food establishments inspected 1,536
2. Schools inspected 0
3 . Day Care Centers inspected 4
4. Mobile dairy units inspected 8
5. Nursing Homes inspected 4
1,552
Number of Written Complaints 112
Number of Notices Sent 9
Breakdown of Sanitary Complaints:
1. Unsanitary Food establishments 17
2. Debris 43
3. Food and Dairy Products 4
4. Rats and Roaches
5. Offensive Odors
6. Smoke Nuisances
7 . Water Problems
8. Miscellaneous 20
TOTAL 112
LICENSES:
141 Retail Food Service @ $5.00 $705.00
226 Retail Food & Food Service Combination @ $10.00 $2^65.00
53
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE
ANNUAL REPORT — 1977
With the close of our first full year operating from the newly reno-
vated Central Building, we are pleased to record that public response has
been excellent. There are more borrowers than ever before registered, and
circulation is above our last best year before renovations.
Programs of many types have been presented at the Main Library
and at the West Branch. These are well attended. Only the East Branch
still needs attention .
During the year the Library was the recipient of three project
grants. One was in the amount of $8,500.00 principally for the purpose
of purchasing foreign language materials and translating information into
the most prevalent non— English languages spoken in Somerville. This
award was made through LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act).
Another grant was awarded jointly to this library, Mt. Auburn Hos-
pital Library and four other community libraries for form a Community
Health Information Network. The main grant money was awarded by the
National Library of Medicine for three years in the amount of $196,991.
The other part of the grant was from LSCA, Title III for first year expen-
ses in the amount of $19,312.
At this time we have just received news on a third LSCA grant for a
core collection of medical materials that particularly address adolescent
health problems to supplement the Health project. The amount of this
grant is $3,000. We are currently awaiting news on two other grants. One
is from the Council on the Arts and Humanities for instructors and mate-
rials in order to offer art courses at the Library. Another is written with
Northeastern University to provide university credit courses on an indi-
vidual basis to citizens in this community at this Library. The money
will come from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Educa-
tion and is for three years in the amount of $458,337.00.
54
For the first time in several years the Library has CETA workers.
Under Title VI, special projects, we have nine workers. One program is
a metric education project, a second is a book restoration project, and a
third a supplement to the Foreign Language project.
Five workers have been assigned under Title II and are working in
various departments as typists, clerks and bibliographic searchers.
Our buildings need proper maintenance by knowledgeable people.
This has not bee accomplished at the Central Library, nor at the East
Branch.
East Branch is atrocious. It is dirty and dark. Lighting fixtures were
removed two years ago and never replaced. New ventilating, furnace,
plumbing, and wiring are needed. The Feasibility Study recommended
that a wing be added for a children’s room. This would be an excellent
plant should Community Development Funds become available.
The Central Library has not had the windows cleaned, nor have
minor repairs been done , such as touching up paint scratches and repair-
ing broken windows. The chairs have never been cleaned either — by dust-
ing, vacuuming or polishing— nor are the floors cleaned properly regularly.
Our services continue to improve and expand. Members of the staff
have been active in finding programs of interest to the community. The
Bookmobile, gift of the Somerville Lions Club, provides film programs
for the housing projects, the Adult Services Department sponsored a per-
formance of “Freedom and Angelina,” a singing, spoken play about
Angelina Grimke, an abolishionist, and the Children’s Department had
some delightful experiences with the Odyssey Puppets, to name just a few
outstanding programs that were well attended. Children’s film programs
and adult film programs frequently draw full houses and provide free in-
formation and entertainment .
The Library cooperates with other agencies such as the School
Department, Summerfest, and the Council for Children.
55
Unique programs this year, in addition to those mentioned, include
Library Creative Dramatics, a non-profit group sponsored by a private
fund to run dramatic workshops for children from grades two through
five.
Art classes for teenagers were very popular and the library is grateful
to Katherine Martin Widmer for her time as the instructor.
For the first time this Library was chosen as a site for an exhibit
of the best books produced in New England during the year. It is called
“The New England Book Show” and the books were exhibited in the
lobby of the Central Library for three weeks in the spring.
Class visits continue at all levels from day care through senior high
school. Every eighth grade class at Southern Junior High School has
visited the Library so that nearly all the classes, grades eight and nine, in
that school have been introduced to the library.
The Somerville Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon meeting at
the Library and were impressed with business materials owned by the
library and the competent Reference staff ready to serve them.
The West Branch has continued very successful film programs, as
well as adult and children’s programs, particularly the Children’s Hallo-
ween Program and the National Children’s Book Week program in which
the children constructed their own books.
The Adult Department has just barely kept pace with public demand
for new books. The average price for an adult book is now over sixteen
dollars and limits the library’s ability to purchase considerably even
though our contracts allow us a substantial discount. Replacements are
extremely difficult to make under these financial conditions.
The staff, old and new, have worked together well to accomplish
all the many events that have taken place this year. We are particularly
pleased with our CETA workers.
56
However, there are problems. The major one still involves staff.
A new classification and pay plan with a built-in management reviewing
process is essential to bring this library into line with other libraries.
One other major effort necessary at this time is that of making a
procedure manual. Many practices have changed over the years and new
operations have been added. These all need to be studied, then combined
where possible, and put into one procedure manual so that the public will,
hopefully, receive the same information from all staff members in similar
situations and the staff members will know what policy applies to what
situation.
Finally, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen have made our
ideas a reality by their support, which is always most appreciated.
Annalee M. Bundy
Director
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM
FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
City: Somerville County: Middlesex State: Massachusetts
Name of Library: The Public Library of the City of Somerville
Date of Founding: 1872
Name of Director: Annalee M. Bundy
Report for the year ending December 31 , 1977
Governmental unit of support and service: City
Population served: 80,596
Terms of use: Free for lending, Free for reference
57
Agencies: Central Library 1
Branch in Library Building 2
Bookmobile 1
Others, in schools 0
in institutions 0
Rest Homes 11
Homes for the Aged 1
TOTAL 16
Circulation and Use :
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use . . 40,806
Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use 43,377
Number of volumes of juveniles lent for home use 59 ,082
Number of undefined volumes lent for home use 23,850
Total number of volumes lent for home use 167,1 15
Period of loan for the majority of adult book stock 21 days
Number of Inter-Library loans:
Volumes lent 3
Volumes borrowed 113
Films lent 41
Films borrowed 736
Number of Reference questions answered 26,649
Total number of records, art prints and statues lent for home use 10,461
Registration :
Borrowers registered during year
Registration Period
1 1 ,467
Indefinite
58
Book Stock :
Adult Juvenile Total
Number of volumes December 31, 1976 110,080
Number of volumes added during year 10,010
Number of volumes withdrawn during year 1 ,123
Number of volumes December 31 , 1977 1 18,967
66,076 176,156
5,237 15,247
2,230 3,353
69,083 188,050
Number of newspapers currently received, excluding duplicates 35
Number of periodicals currently received, excluding duplicates 458
FINANCE
Assessed Valuation of the City (Real Estate)
City Tax Rate for 1977
, .. $141,544,400.00
$268.10 per thousand
Receipts
$651 ,781 223
Local taxes — Library Department
1976- 77 Budget
1977- 78 Budget
$551,835.71
605,789.55
Fines included in above
Dog Licenses included in above
$ 3,989.85
8,602.80
Invested Funds
Balance from 1976
Interest During 1977
$ 9,391 53
6,886.89
16,278.42
State Aid — $30,223.50 to City toward payment of Renovation Bond
Total Receipts $668,059.65
Expenditures
Salaries — Library Department $475,533.45
Books Appropriation $84,192.43
Funds 4,316.41 88,508.84
59
Music Supplies —
Appropriation
$ 74321
Funds
50.04
793.25
Periodicals —
Appropriation
$ 9,448.46
Funds
61.10
9,509.56
Binding
Other Operating Expenses
Appropriation $8 1 ,428 .1 3
Funds 1,431.18 82,859.31
Total Expenditures $657,640.96
Balance December, 1977 — Trust Funds 10,418.69
Grand Total $668,059.65
Library Renovation — Friends of the Library Fund .... $1 ,637.51
LSCA Title I Special Project Grant Awarded $8,500.00
60
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
1977
To the Honorable, the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
City of Somerville , Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit the Annual Report of the Police Department,
for the fiscal year 1977—1978.
Thomas J. O’Brien
Chief
REPORTS
Accidents reported 1429
Automobiles Stolen 1486
Automobiles recovered 1844
Bank Alarms 17
Buildings found open and secured 219
Business house alarms 261
Cases investigated 4952
Dead animals 51
Defective lamps reported 147
Defective sidewalks reported 31
Defective streets reported 68
Defective catch basins and sewers 3
Defective hydrants and gates 7
Defective signs and sign posts 42
Defective wires 43
Disturbances suppressed 327
61
Dogs killed 25
Dog bites 91
False alarm of fire given 80
Fires reported 457
Gas leaks 3
Houses unoccupied 19
Injured and sick persons assisted 2390
Insane persons cared for 2
Lost children restored 3
Missing persons 88
Missins persons found 73
Obstructions removed from sidewalks and streets 1428
Panes of glass broken 332
Permits to labor on Common Day of Rest 40
Persons notified for various causes 4110
Persons locked out 3
Sudden deaths 113
Summons served , outside 2490
Suspicious persons 122
Stray animals 32
Stray animals found 7
Value of property stolen $287,300.00
Value of property recovered $348,270.00
Water running to waste 47
Respectfully submitted ,
Chief Thomas J. O’Brien
Remarks: J. Whelan
62
ARRESTS
On Summons 700
On Warrants 526
Without Warrants 1259
Held for Trial 2293
Delivered to other Departments 187
Released on Waiver 5
Males 2196
Females 289
Foreigners 72
Non-residents 512
Minors 293
Juveniles 402
CRIMES
Male Female
Accessory 3 2
Affray 10
Arson 4 1
Assault, Dangerous Weapon 9 1
Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon 50 4
Assault and Battery 67 8
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer. 36 2
Assault and Battery, Indecent 5
Automobile, using without authority 34 2
Animals, Cruelty to 3
AWOL Armed Services 1
Breaking and entering, night time and larceny 20
Breaking and entering, day time and larceny 17 3
Breaking and entering, night time, int. felony 39
Breaking and entering attempt 12
Breaking and entering Dwelling 11 2
Breaking Glass in Building 1
63
Burglars’ tools possession having 18 1
Burglary 6
Begetting 1
Causing false alarm of fire 4
Common Day of Rest Violating 7 5
Contributing to Delinquency of Child 4
Default warrant 115 9
Delinquent children 326 67
Disturbing the peace 1
Dog, keeping dangerous 1
Dog, keeping unlicensed 9 10
Entering W.O. Breaking 1
Escape from Youth Service Board 7 2
Escapee 1
Firearms, carrying without a license 13
Fugitive from Justice 1
Firearm Law Violation 7 1
Gaming — Use of Telephone for 2
Harmful Drug Law — Violating 38 3
Idle and disorderly 1
Illegitimate child act , violating 1
Indecent exposure 1
Kidnapping 6
Larceny 126 46
Larceny, attempt 7 1
Larceny of automobile 27
Lewdness, Open and Gross 1
Liquor laws, violating 31 1
Manslaughter 1
Motor Vehicle Laws, violating 402 43
Murder 2
Mace 1
Narcotic Drug Laws, violating 32 3
64
Neglect of family 22
Operating under influence 97 11
Operating Motor Vehicle to endanger . 37 1
Promoting a lottery and concernect, ect 11
Property, injury to, etc. . . 20 2
Rape 4
Rape attempt 1
Receiving stolen goods 62 9
Registering bets, etc 4
Rescue of prisoner, attempt 3
Robbery, attempt 8
Robbery (armed) 26
Robbery (unarmed) 4 3
Rude or Disorderly Conduct 29 2
Runaways 2
Safe keeping 4
Speeding 54 4
Telephone, annoying calls 3 1
Threats and Intimidations 14 2
Trespass 10 1
Us. MV W/O Auth. Rt. Op. Sups 12 1
Uttering 13 4
Violation St. Sanitary Code 1 1
Violating of City Ordinance 46 3
Violating of conditions of probation 20 1
Violation of Parking law 56 22
Violation of Traffic Cont. Sig 106 3
Violation of Parole . 1
Violation of traffic regulations 1
Weapon, possession, dangerous
3
65
SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT 1977
To the Honorable, the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the Annual Report of the Somerville Fire
Department for the year ending December 31 , 1977.
The Fire Department responded to the following alarms:
First alarms 3194
Second alarms 28
Third alarms 4
Still alarms 3125
TOTAL Alarms 6351
A new mutual aid agreement was made with 26 Cities and Towns to
provide each community with the apparatus and assistance needed to ex-
tinguish the larger fires which are beyond that community’s own re-
sources. This new mutual aid pact, known as Metrofire District No. 13,
will be beneficial to all members of the agreement. Mutual aid was re-
ceived by the City 558 times during the year. We responded to neighbor-
ing communities 461 times during the year.
Two citizens lost their lives as a result of smoke inhalation and as-
phyxiation suffered at fires.
Fire losses to property were as follows:
Buildings
. . . $1 ,268,122.00
est.
Contents
392,470.00
est.
Motor Vehicles . . .
491,850.00
est.
TOTAL losses . . . .
. . . $2,152,442.00
est.
All pumpers were given an annual test in drafting operations to as-
sure that they were in proper condition. Fire hose was subjected to an
66
annual pressure test to assure dependability and to detect defects. A total
of 449,850 feet of hose was used in firefighting operations. Ladders
totalling 17,104 feet were used. All hydrants were checked for operating
condition. Hydrant caps were lubricated and any defects noted were
reported to the Water Department.
Fourteen men, including Chief of Department Joseph M. Mack,
were retired during the year. One firefighter resigned to take a position
with another fire department.
Thirty— three men were appointed to the department and, after
training, were assigned to fire companies. They are a welcome addition to
the department to replace the men retired over the last few years.
The Training Department completed training of the entire Fire
Department in techniques of rendering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and
emergency first aid.
MBTA conducted classes on extrication and emergency safety pre-
cautions.
The Fire Prevention Bureau conducted 2070 inspections during the
year. Inspections were made of dwellings, apartment houses and multiple
dwellings, Schools, Hospitals, Nursing and Convalescent homes were given
quarterly inspections. All oil burner installations and alterations were in-
spected to assure compliance with the laws and rules and regulations. All
construction plans were checked.
The Fire Department wishes to thank his Honor the Mayor, mem-
bers of the Board of Aldermen and all department heads of the City
government for their assistance and cooperation during the year 1977.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles J . Donovan
Acting Chief Engineer
67
CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT
During the year 1977 the volunteers of the Somerville Civil Defense
Department donated a total of over 20,896 hours to the City of Somer-
ville. This is broken down as follows:
AUXILIARY POLICE: Over 14,429 hours, which includes cruiser
duty, church traffic, anti— vandalism patrols of the pub he building, police
science training, firearms instruction, parades, holidays and crowd control
at fires.
AUXILIARY LIRE: Over 6,467 hours, which includes emergency
response to fires, water leaks, pumpouts, summer concerts, mutual aid to
other cities and training assignments.
This combined total of hours for the two Auxiliary Units, over
20,896 hours, represents a total savings to the City by our volunteer
Civil Defense forces of $175,168.00 for 1977.
Once again, we of the Somerville Civil Defense Department are
proud to have the best trained and most active Auxiliary Units in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This year Somerville Civil Defense has sponsored two courses in
Disaster Preparation for Nurses, two Cardio— Pulmonary Resuscitation
Courses and conducted a highly publicized and very successful disaster
drill for our two hospitals and our fire department. We were also active
in the combined disaster drill held by the Middlesex Hospital Association.
John A. Mclnerny
Director
68
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE LICENSING COMMISSION
To the Honorable , the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The following factual information is respectfully submitted as the
Annual Report of the licensing Commission of the City of Somerville for
the year ending December 3 1 , 1977 .
Commission Michael E. Rubin served as Chairman of the Licensing
Commission from January 1, 1977 to June 23, 1977 and Commissioner
Earle E. Coke served as Acting Chairman for the balance of the year.
Dominick J. Zoccola, 88 Bartlett Street, Somerville, was appointed
by the Mayor, approved by the Board of Aldermen and sworn in on June
28, 1977 for a term of three years, replacing Commissioner Michael E.
Rubin whose term had expired.
Officer Vincent McDonough of the Somerville Police Department
was assigned to the licensing Commission for the year of 1977.
Board of Health Inspector Vincent Chiozzi was assigned to the
Licensing Commission for the year of 1977.
The licensing Commission received the following applications for
the year of 1977:—
2 — Applications:— One application for a Malt Beverages &
Wines 7— Day Educational Institution License. They voted
‘GRANTED’ on this application. An Alcoholic Beverages
Control Commission approval not required on this type of
a license. The other application was for a Malt Beverages
& Wines 7— Day Restaurant license. They voted DENIED’
on this application. The applicant did not appeal to the
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
69
1 — Application for a transfer from one corporation to another
corporation:— They voted ‘GRANTED’ on this application
and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ‘APPRO-
VED’ same.
5 — Applications for a transfer from one corporation to another
corporation and a change of manager:— They voted
‘GRANTED’ on these applications and the Alcoholic Bev-
erages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ them.
2 — Applications for a transfer of location and then a transfer
voted ‘GRANTED’ on these applications and the Alcoholic
Beverages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ them.
3 — Applications for additional premises:— They voted
‘GRANTED’ on two of these applications and the Alco-
holic Beverages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ them.
The other application was withdrawn by the applicant.
4 — Applications for change in the interior of the premises: —
They voted ‘GRANTED’ on these applications. An Alco-
holic Beverages Control Commission approval not required.
2 — Applications for adding a doing business name:— They
voted ‘GRANTED’ on these applications and the Alcoholic
Beverages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ them.
1 — Application for change of corporation name:— They voted
‘GRANTED’ on this application and the Alcoholic Bever-
ages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ same.
2 — Applications for change in doing business name:— They
voted ‘GRANTED’ on these applications and the Alcoholic
Beverages Control Commission ‘APPROVED’ them.
5 — Applications for transfer of stock which were ‘APPROVED’
by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
70
2 — Applications for pledge of stock which were ‘APPROVED’
by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
7 - Applications for change of officers which were ‘AP-
PROVED’ by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control
Commission.
11 - Applications for change of manager which were ‘AP-
PROVED’ by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control
Commission.
1 — Court notice that a Receiver was appointed. No approval
required .
108 — Applications for renewal of Alcoholic Beverage License for
1978 — No hearings on these applications as the applica-
tions were for the same type of license and were filed prior
to December 1, 1977, which entitled the applicants to an
automatic renewal under Chapter 352 acts of 1970.
57 — All Forms Alcoholic Beverages ‘Restaurant 7— Day
License’
1 — Malt Beverages and Wine = ‘Restaurant 7— Day Li-
cense’
1 1 — Malt Beverages and Wines Educational Institution
7 —Day License
2 — All Forms Alcoholic Beverages ‘Innholder 7— Day
License’
16 — All Forms Alcoholic Beverages ‘Club 7— Day Li-
cense’
20 — All Forms Alcoholic Beverages Tackage Goods’
Store License
71
9 — Malt Beverages and Wines ‘Package Goods’ Store
License
2 — All Forms Alcoholic Beverages ‘Section 30— A Li-
cense’ (Druggist)
They ‘GRANTED’ eight Special Alcoholic Beverages Licenses, three
hundred sixteen Liquor Identification Cards, ten Full Entertainment Li-
censes and ten Dance Licenses.
Thirteen violations of the Law were reported to the Licensing Com-
mission and after holding hearings on these they took appropriate action .
The established policy of the Licensing Commission relative to rou-
tine matters of office procedure and the issuance of licenses has not ma-
terially changed.
A general inspection tour of all licensed premises brought out the
fact that all establishments are now equipped with up-to-date facilities.
We wish to acknowledge the splendid co-operation and whole-
hearted support given our Commission by Police Inspector Vincent Mc-
Donough and Board of Health Inspector Vincent Chiozzi assigned to our
Commission. We also wish to acknowledge the efficient and faithful
service of our Clerk Mary I. Kenney.
An itemized report of the fees received during the year ending De-
cember 31, 1977 is as follows:—
(See following page)
Two Malt Beverages & Wines Package Goods Store Licenses were not
renewed for the year of 1978.
Respectfully submitted,
Costas Chitouras, Chairman
Earle E. Coke , Commissioner
Dominick J. Zoccolo, Commissioner
72
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EXPENSES 7/1/76 - 6/30/76 2,169.48
NET TOTAL REVENUE OF DEPARTMENT 1 977 $99,328.52
73
REPORT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
July 14,1978
To the Honorable, the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
The Annual Report of the Veterans’ Services Department for fiscal
year July 1976 through June 1977 is herewith respectfully submitted and
appended thereto, is a recapitulation of financial expenditures as made in
accordance with the State regulations governing the disbursements of Vet-
erans’ Benefits under Chapter 1 15, M.G.L.
The major portion of Veterans’ Benefits as granted was to furnish
direct financial assistance and/or medical vendor payments in behalf of
needy qualified veterans of wartime service and their dependents or sur-
vivors.
The amount and duration of Veterans’ Benefits as expended is
naturally predicated upon the socio-economic factors governing our
present economy. A continued high rate of unemployment has reflected
general increases in all phases of assistance granted qualified applicants
throughout our city which has an approximate veteran population of
13,500 persons.
In all instances, personnel within the department have utilized and
pursued the possibility of assisting applicants in applying for and establish-
ing eligibility for all other state or federally funded assistance programs
that they would otherwise be entitled by law to receive in order to restrict
local expenditures.
State mandated increases in Veterans’ Benefits assistance budgets,
as well as continuing annual increases in all areas of hospitals and medical
services, are placing greater demands on local budgetary appropriations.
74
It is safe to say, however, that the City of Somerville should receive an
approximate Veterans’ Services reimbursement of $100,000.00 from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts for fiscal year 1976—1977.
A minimal amount of overtime assignments have been necessary for
all personnel of the department in order to augment the lack of two full-
time Investigators. At present the supervisory employees of the depart-
ment have been taking on additional duties and caseload responsibilities
in order that the department might continue to maintain a continued and
efficient control of all expenditures necessary, providing needed services
to our needy veterans and their dependents.
Recent statistics show that Massachusetts has the second highest
veteran population in the nation, of which approximately 13,500 are
residents of this city. Due to the fact that Mass. G.L. Chapter 115 pro-
vides that not only veterans alone, but needy non-veteran parents and
dependent children and wives or widows of a veteran as well are eligible
to apply for Veterans Benefits when in need. Therefore, it is an estab-
lished fact that over fifty per cent of our population will directly or in-
directly be serviced through our available veterans’ programs.
I wish to extend to you Mr. Mayor and the Honorable members of
the Board of Aldermen, the appreciation of this department for your
cooperation and courtesies extended during the past year in recognizing
the continued needs of our indigent or disabled veterans and their families
or their surviving widows and dependent children.
Respectfully submitted,
Leon W. Curtin
Director
Veterans’ Services and Benefits
RECAPITULATION OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS
75
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76
OFFICE OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
P.W.D. BUILDING
The Honorable, the Mayor and
the Board of Aldermen
Somerville, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Department of Weights
and Measures for the year 1977.
The following devices were tested and approved or condemned
during the year 1977.
SCALES
Over 10,000 lbs.
5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
100 to 5,000 lbs.
Under 100 lbs. capacity
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
130
Metric
175
Apothecary
90
OIL TRUCKS,
GASOLINE
STATIONS,
GASOLINE
TRUCKS
& WHOLESALE BULK METERS
Gasoline Pumps
55
265
18
Fuel Oil Trucks
Wholesale Bulk Meters
121
49
6
TAXIMETERS
Meters on Taxicabs
81
20
TOTALS
169
1338
2
41
Adjusted
Sealed
Not
Sealed
Condemned
1
3
2
4
9
50
83
491
17
77
SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS MADE
Junk Scales 35
Marking of bread 250
Marking of Food Packages 5,125
Liquid Containers (tonic, etc.) 135
Taximeters (in use) 178
Fuel truck meters 28
Gasoline meters 38
SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL TESTS MADE
Gasoline — Retests 21
Scales in use 55
Taxi meters (Other than sealing) 40
Fuel meters (Other than sealing) 19
GASOLINE STATION TESTS
Number of call backs 21
Number of gallons drawn 5 ,400
Total meters at Stations 265
Total meters sealed 265
Complaints investigated 53
SPOT CHECKS OF COMMODITIES PUT UP FOR SALE
COMMODITY
No. Tested
Found
Correct
Incorrect
Under
Over
Bread
250
225
13
12
Butter
185
162
10
12
Confectionary
375
310
15
50
Dry Commodities
40
20
14
6
Fruits and Vegetables
875
815
21
39
Cheese and Dairy
450
380
28
42
Meat
2,750
2,415
150
185
Potatoes
200
140
25
35
TOTALS
5,125
4,467
~276
"382
Edwin L. Mallard
Sealer of Weights and Measures
78
THE RECREATION COMMISSION
1977
MARY TOOMEY, Chairperson
PAT LEYNE, Vice-Chairperson
WILLIAM E. BEDINGFIELD
MARYANN DE ANGELIS
ROBERT McELREATH
HAROLD MITCHITSON
ZARVEN NAJARIAN
JOANNE POULIN
ANN SHEEHAN
RITA VAN STEENSBURG
ROBERT J. ARSENAULT, Chairperson (Jan. — May)
RITA P. VAN STEENSBURG, Vice -Chairperson (Jan. -Jan.)
ARTHUR HUGHES (Jan. - March)
Secretary to the Commission: KEVIN F. OLIVER
In Memoriam
WILLIAM A. CURTIN, SR.
Recreation Service — 1960 — 1976
The Recreation Commission wishes to dedicate this Annual Report
to the late Mr. William A. “Jake” Curtin, a former Commission Chairman
and Vice-Chairman, who served as a member from 1960—1976.
Mr. Curtin enjoyed and deeply treasured his association with the
Commission, serving, in fact, as its ambassador of good will throughout
our City for almost two decades.
“Jake’s” sincerely warm and caring manner constructively brought
together the personalities and ideas of the people interested and involved
in public recreation .
His unselfish concern for the welfare of the Commission and those
it serves was an inspiration to all fortunate to have known and worked
with the man. He was indeed an irreplaceable member and a truly remark-
able human being.
79
ANNUAL REPORT
SOMERVILLE RECREATION COMMISSION
December 31 , 1977
To the Honorable, the Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen:
The Somerville Recreation Commission attained its forty— eighth
year of full-time, year-round service to the people of the city in 1977.
Mr. Kevin F. Oliver, the Department’s Fifth Superintendent com-
pleted his first full year as Secretary to the Commission. Many of the
Superintendent’s initial hopes and aspirations for the Commission did
indeed reach fruition this past year.
The Commission’s Summer Playgrounds’ program is a living tribute
to the creative genius possessed by former Superintendents Mahoney,
Kelley, Pieroni, and Sullivan in the field of public recreation. Somerville’s
Summer Program of planned intra— playground activities and its network
of scheduled inter— unit competition has been a functioning reality since
1917.
The Summer Playgrounds’ Season of 1977 opened on Tuesday, July
5. However, the behind-the-scenes advance work for the Superintendent
and his staff ran concurrent with the Commission’s Springtime programm-
ing. Playground Supplies and awards were ordered in March. A survey
of the physical needs of our playgrounds was conducted in April and its
recommendations forwarded to the Park Department.
The Conwell School unit was the site of the Commission’s Summer
Program for Somerville Children from 6 to 18 years of age with special
needs. The Program’s relocation to the Conwell School from the Powder
House Community School was particularly beneficial, because the grounds
surrounding the Conwell are more spacious and additionally are further
removed from heavy city traffic.
80
Twenty -one pre-schoolers with special needs from Somerville
attended a Summer Recreation Program conducted by the Cambridge
Recreation Department and the Cambridge— Somerville Mental Health
and Retardation Center.
A summation of Playground Activities for 1977 should be divided
into two sections: General and Major events. Events considered general
occur earlier in the season and require less total staff involvement. Con-
tests and Tournaments such as those conducted at the Local, Sectional
or Inter— Playground levels in Bicycle Safety, Chess, Horseshoes, Checkers,
Jackstones, and Jumprope, along with League Schedules for Baseball,
Volleyball, Softball, Dodgeball, Wiffleball, Co— ed Shoeball, and local
Track Meets would be considered general events. Also general in nature
were our special Sports Clinics in Baseball, Volleyball, Track, and Paddle
Tennis, which were filmed for later instructional use.
Another major event on the All-Season Almanac is our Sectional
Play Days, which in 1977 were held at Glen, Trum and Hodgkins Fields.
Last Summer’s theme remained “Anything Goes,” and featured each
neighborhood unit depicting a category, like pirates, animals, or a period
of time such as the Fifties.
After— school Arts and Crafts sessions were conducted at the East
Somerville, Grimmons, Kennedy, Lincoln Park and Powder House Schools
with a new session at the Immaculate Conception School.
One of our longest running children’s activities, the Model Building
Club , was operated one afternoon a week at the Powder House Commu-
nity School.
Registration for Ceramics again gave testimony to the program’s
tremendous popularity, as almost all of the veteran members returned
to their work tables.
The Holiday Decorating Course provided instruction and assistance
in making decorations and gifts for popular holidays.
81
Sewing Classes experienced growth with a total of three morning
classes and one evening class for anyone from teens to Senior Citizens.
The Monday Night Photography Club allows the novice the oppor-
tunity to acquire skills in film development, print making, special effects,
and other darkroom techniques.
The Recreation Camera Club, which holds memberships in the
Photographic Society of America and the New England Camera Club
Council, was organized in 1949. The group meets Tuesday evenings at
50 Bow Street.
The Commission’s Children’s Theatre Program has experienced sig-
nificant quantitative and qualitative advances in the past few years. Units
are presently staffed at the Western Junior High School, where member-
ship is referred to in theatrical circles as the Westside Players; the East
Somerville Community School, where the Eastside Players reside; and the
Healey School, which houses our first year Healey Players’ Group.
The public response all year to the Commission’s second full season
of Girls’ Gymnastics programming was simply overwhelming! The highly
successful annual Gymnastics Exhibition in the Spring featured Somerville
talent in the sport of the 80’s.
The Commission’s Youth Leagues provide each participant with an
opportunity to compete in sports within his or her own ability level.
Youngsters are taught the values of self-discipline and cooperation
through organized intramural play.
The Powder House Youth League is the most senior of the three
established 8 to 13 year old Boys’ Youth Leagues. The PHYL is con-
ducted on Saturdays from September to April at the Powder House Com-
munity School Gym and grounds, and has an active membership of over
160 players and coaches.
The next oldest circuit is the Winter Hill Youth League, whose Fall
programming consists of a Flag Football League at the Healey Schoolyard
and another at the Mystic Housing Projects’ Recreational area.
82
The Lincoln Park Youth League operated an After-school Flag
Football League again last Autumn at the Lincoln Park “A” Diamond.
Our two established Girls’ Youth Leagues at the Western Junior
High School gym and the Healey School Gym offered Saturday morning
instruction and game competition in Basketball, Volleyball, Gym Hockey
and Flag Football.
Our Girls’ Club Program is composed of four distinct Clubs, which
are located in Schools throughout the City. Each Club has a weekly
meeting at its respective site: the Lincoln Park, East Somerville , Kennedy
and Powder House Schools. The Club’s general meeting each week serves
as an energy outlet via its gym period and a goals assessment through its
planning session .
The Commission helps meet the evening exercise needs of the com-
munity through a network of six physical fitness centers located in School
Gymnasiums across the City. Centers are staffed at the East Somerville
Community School, Lincoln Park Community School, Winter Hill Com-
munity School, Healey School, Kennedy School and the Powder House
Community School.
The Commission supplements its earlier mentioned fine seven— week
Summer Program for Special Needs children ages 6—18 with two sessions
of Saturday Morning activities.
The Somerville Players came under the sponsorship of the Commis-
sion in 1973. The Players provide opportunities for Somerville residents
to perform, produce and observe legitimate theatre.
The year 1977 marked the 20th Anniversary of our largest and
perhaps most active program, the Somerville Senior Citizens’ Club. The
Commission wishes to extend its gratitude to all past and present mem-
bers, Club Officers and Recreation Staff workers, who have made our
Seniors’ programming without equal.
Our established Women’s Leagues of Softball and Twilight and In-
door Basketball reaffirmed their 1976 demand levels of 15 ... 12 ... and 10
teams with respective squad memberships of 18 ... 10 ... and 9 in 1977.
These figures offer a sharp contrast with the 1973 combined three pro-
gram totals of only 1 1 teams!
83
Twilight Basketball maintained its record high enrollment of forty—
eight Men’s teams, sixteen Intermediate ball clubs, and seven Junior
entries, for a staggering total of seventy— one “hoop” teams.
The Indoor League provided little let— up in demand for cage time,
as another record— equalling field of 32 teams were granted franchises.
Membership in Recreation Slow— Pitch Softball zoomed to 40
teams, with competitive eight— team “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” Divisions
playing night games at Trum, Lincoln and Glen.
The Men’s Flag Football League expanded to a twelve— team op-
eration in its fourth year with Foss Park joining Matignon and Dilboy
Fields as playing sites for the Sunday morning Gridiron double-headers.
Finally, eight teams rolled up another successful season, their
thirty— first, in the Commission’s Men’s Municipal Bowling League.
Once again this year the Commission wishes to acknowledge the
assistance given many of our Leagues’ teams by Sponsors. The generosity
and interest which these Community people and businesses provide
amateur athletes in Somerville allow our Leagues to be first class opera-
tions in every respect.
Special recognition and appreciation is expressed to Warner Cable’s
public access component for its excellent media coverage of our Adult
Sports Leagues, Summer Playground activities, and numerous other
special events. The amount of Commission originated programs appear-
ing on the local access Channel has been nearly triple that of any other
single source for several years. The assistance given our personnel by the
employees of Public Access Television has enabled us to recapture for
participants their active recreational pursuits, while also enabling the
general public the opportunity to passively enjoy the skills and activities
of their friends and neighbors.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Toomey, Chairperson
Kevin F. Oliver, Secretary
Somerville Recreation Commission
84
SOMERVILLE RECREATION COMMISSION
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
FISCAL YEAR 1977
ANNUAL APPROPRIATION
(July 1,1976 to June 30, 1977)
EXPENDITURES (Fiscal Year 1977):
Salaries and Wages $246,492.82
Office Supplies 1,050.00
Printing & Stationery 400.00
Postage & Express 1 ,050.00
Advertising 165.00
Dues & Memberships 400.00
Photographic Supplies & Services .. 350.00
Telephone Service 2,380.00
Professional Services (Work— Study) . 400.00
Refreshments, Etc 250.00
Books & Text Books 100.00
Automobile Allowance 1,450.00
Bus Rentals 150.00
Clothing & Uniforms 778.00
Trophies & Awards 1,000.00
Audio-Visual Supplies 300.00
Athletic Supplies 7,500.00
Recreational Supplies & Services ... 4,000.00
Hardware & Paint 2 ,947 .00
Lumber & Wood Products 800.00
Playground Supplies 500.00
Repairs & Maintenance (Automotive) 600.00
Repairs & Maintenance (Tools &
Equipment) 175.00
$288,796.84
85
Repairs & Maintenance (Office
Equipment) 200.00
Programs for Retarded & Handicapped
Children:
Bus Rentals 450.00
Bid Advertising 50.00
Transportation 3,250.00
Groceries & Provisions 500.00
Recreational Supplies & Services 520.00
Somerville Players Program :
Recreational Supplies & Services 300.00
Lumber Products 300.00
Royalty Fees 200.00
Equipment Account :
Passenger Van Truck 4,000.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$283,007.82 $283,007.82
86
REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK
Office of the City Clerk
July 1,1977
To the Honorable Mayor
and the Board of Aldermen
Gentlemen :
The following is respectfully submitted as the one hundred sixth
Annual Report of the City Clerk of Somerville, and is for the Fiscal Year
July 1,1976 -June 30,1977.
The receipts and payments were as follows:
For dog licenses issued in FY 1977:
1776 males at $3.00 $ 5,328.00
313 females at $6.00 1,878.00
864 spayed at $3.00 2,592.00
5 kennels at $10.00 50.00
1 kennel at $25.00 25.00
6 transfers at $.25 130
$ 9,874.50
For hunting and Fishing licenses issued in FY 1977 :
583 fishing at $825 4,809.75
323 hunting at $825 2,664.75
124 sporting at $13.50 1,674.00
52 minor fishing at $6.25 325.00
7 res. alien fishing at $1125 78.75
4 non-res. citizen fishing at $14.25 . . 57.00
1 trapping at $1 130 11.50
1 res. alien hunting at $1625 1625
13 duplicate at $1.00 13.00
109 waterfowl stamps at $1 25 13625
10 archery stamps at $5 .10 5 1 .00
$ 9,837.25
87
Recording mortgages, assignments, etc 4,101 .05
Certificates of marriage intentions,
including postage 3,361.82
Furnishing copies of records 12,228.28
$19,691.15
Licenses :
Auctioneers, 1 at $2.00; 12 at $15.00 . . 182.00
Billiard, pool tables and bowling alleys:
39 licenses for 2 billiard tables,
6 pool tables, 31 bowling alleys
at $3.00 117.00
Bus routes, 3 at $10.00 30.00
Cut meat and sausage, 1 at $50.00 .... 50.00
Stationary engines, 2 at $1 .00 2.00
Garages, 4 at $5.00 — 7 at $10.00 90.00
Garage renewals 445 .00
Hackney carriages, 294 at $10.00 2,940.00
Junk and second hand licenses:
collect junk , 4 at $ 1 5 .00 60 .00
junk shops, 16 at $35.00 560.00
Lodging house, 1 at $2.00 2.00
Street musician, 1 at $.50 .50
Outdoor parking, 6 at $10.00 60.00
Second hand auto dealer,
18 at $50.00 - 31 at $25.00 2,175.00
Slaughtering, 1 at $1.00 1.00
Storage of explosives:
4 at $20.00 - 1 at $50.00 130.00
Storage of explosives renewals 4,191.50
Taxi stand licenses — 37 at $10.00 .... 370.00
Permits for projections over the sidewalk,
2 electric signs
2 plastic signs
2 metal signs
3 illuminated signs
2 non-combustible signs
5 miscellaneous signs
1 awning
17 signs at $5.00 85.00
88
Copies of ordinances 87.00
Copies of city charter 3.50
Fees regular mail notices 86.72
Postage 2.79
Advertising 274.90
Duplicate dog tags 5 .80
Pole locations 112.50
Blank forms 9.40
Raffle and bazaar permits 1 10.00
Municipal manuals 65.00
Closing-out sale 2 .00
Physicians’ registration 1 .00
$31 ,942.76
PAYMENTS
To the City Treasurer for dog licenses in FY 1977 :
1776 males at $3 .00 $ 5,328.00
313 females at $6.00 1,878.00
864 spayed at $3 .00 2,592.00
5 kennel at $10.00 50.00
1 kennel at $25.00 25.00
6 transfers at $.25 1 .50
9,874.50
less City Clerk’s fees
2959 at $.35 1035.65) - 1,037.15
6 transfers at $.25 1.50) $ 8,83735
To the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game for
hunting licenses, etc. in FY 1977:
583 fishing at $825 4,809.75
323 hunting at $825 2,664.75
124 sporting at $1330 1,674.00
52 minor fishing at $625 325.00
7 resident alien fishing at $1 1 25 ... 78.75
89
4 non -res. citizen fishing at $1425 . . 57.00
1 trapping at $1 1 .50 1 1 .50
1 res. alien hunting at $1625 1625
13 duplicates at $1.00 13.00
109 waterfowl stamps at $1 25 13625
10 archery stamps at $5 .10 5 1 .00
9,83725
less City Clerk’s fees
1204 at $25
10 at $.10
301.00)
1.00) - 302.00
$ 9,535.25
To City Treasurer monthly:
All the receipts above specified except for
hunting licenses and dog licenses 31 ,942.76
$50,315.36
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Besides the licenses mentioned in the foregoing list of receipts, licenses and
permits have been granted by the Board of Aldermen, without charge, as
follows :
Parade with Music in Streets 2
Walk— a— thon 1
Sacred Concert 1
90
BIRTHS — FY 1977
(July 1 , 1976 - June 30, 1977)
Births in Somerville with Physicians in attendance for FY 1977
Females 1 *
Males 1 * 2
Registered births in other places for FY 1976
Females 397
Males 401 798
Total 800
Bom of American Parents 531
Bom of Foreign Parents 193
Bom of American Father,
Foreign Mother 42
Bom of Foreign Father,
American Mother 34
Bom of American Mother,
Father Unknown 0
Bom of Foreign Mother,
Father Unknown 0
Total 800
Number of Twins 8
* Bom at home
91
MARRIAGES
July 1,1976 -June 30, 1977
Number of Intentions issued 813
Less than previous year 34
Number of Marriages registered 822
Less than previous year 65
Both parties American 654
Both parties Foreign 60
American Bride and Foreign Groom . . 69
American Groom and Foreign Bride . . 39
Total 822
First marriage 1 343
Second marriage 281
Third marriage 17
Fourth marriage 3
Total 1644
Total Marriages for the F.Y,
822 Couples
92
DEATHS
Number of deaths in Somerville in FY 1977 830
Died in the City 468
Died out of the City 362
Stillboms 0
Total 830
Males 438
Females 392
Total 830
Last record figures in the annual report - No. 529-24, 1976 and 247-1, 1977
William J. Donovan
CITY CLERK
44 7 Last record figured in the annual report — No. 529— 24, 1976 and 247—1 , 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS
State of the City Address 1
Board of Assessors
City Auditor 9
Treasurer & Collector of Taxes 30
Board of Election Commission 39
Board of Health 43
Public Library 53
Police Department 60
Fire Department 65
Civil Defense Department 67
Licensing Commission 68
Veterans’ Services 73
Sealer of Weights and Measures 76
Recreation Commission 78
City Clerk 86
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